THANKSGIVING IS A time to reflect on 2024 and count our blessings. Whether this year has been good or difficult, we can still be thankful. We’re still here and moving forward. The holiday season is also a time to remember the people who have impacted our lives and thank God for them. In many cases, we can also express thanks to them personally in some way.
As we read through the New Testament, we see that the Apostle Paul acknowledged his dependence on God. But he also acknowledged his dependence on others. In Philippians 1:3–5 (NLT) Paul said, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”
The Church at Philippi supported Paul in his missionary work, and in his letter to them he expressed his thanks to them for that. Paul knew he was not accomplishing everything he was doing by himself.
Paul held in high regard his relationships with his spiritual brothers and sisters. He often expressed his appreciation to other believers in his letters. Paul had an attitude of gratitude toward everyone who helped him. He knew he was successful because of the help he had received.
After Paul’s conversion, he immediately began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God. But he infuriated the Jewish leaders to the point that some plotted to kill him. However, Paul escaped safely from Damascus thanks to other believers who lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall. (See Acts 9:17–25 NLT.) He lived to preach another day because somebody believed in him and helped him.
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”
We Are Who We Are Because of Others
Sometimes I think we are remiss in not thanking others who have helped us. We forget that we’re where we are because of other people. No matter how tall I stand today, I do it because I stood on the shoulders of two great men—my father, Kenneth E. Hagin, and my father-in-law, V.E. Tipton. I would not be where I am today without their help and support. They often said, “You can make it, kid. You can do it.”
Relationships are important—especially our spiritual relationships in the church. Without other people, we cannot become who we need to be.
A Word in Due Season
Everything in life works better when we have relationships with people of like faith. We all need the support of others. I don’t care how spiritual we are or how much faith we have. We all reach a point where we need help or encouragement.
When we get discouraged, we need someone who believes in us. We need to hear someone say, “You can make it.” Their encouraging words can keep us from quitting and push us forward until we reach our goal.
Many years ago, I worked for my father-in-law as an associate pastor. One of my duties was to visit members of the congregation when they were in the hospital. My father-in-law told me that when I talked to church members, I didn’t need to give them a lot of scripture. Most of them knew what the Word said. What they really needed was a word of encouragement—something to lift them up.
Sometimes we are so spiritual that we forget about the natural. Yes, the spiritual is the most important. We all know that. But we also need to think about how we can help people in the natural.
I’m sure we can all say that during a time when we were down, somebody said something that helped us get over the hump. They didn’t preach to us or pray for us. They just encouraged us.
Don’t Forget to Say Thanks
We need to take every opportunity we can to say thank you to people who have helped us. Let’s reach out to them during the Thanksgiving holiday season. And while Thanksgiving provides a perfect occasion to say thank you, let’s make it a habit to show gratitude throughout the year. It’s a small gesture that can make a big impact on both the giver and the receiver.
Who Are You Thankful For?
“I have never stopped thanking God for you.” —Ephesians 1:16 (TLB)
God commands us to be thankful—both for our good and His glory. There are practical ways we can cultivate gratitude. It can be as simple as writing a thank-you note expressing our appreciation to someone who helped us. Or we can set aside time every week to pray for the people who have supported us.
In whatever way you choose to express your gratitude, begin today!
My Gratitude List
Today, I’m thankful for _____________________________.
Today, I show my gratitude by _______________________________________________________.
Thank you, God, for bringing them into my life!
Author
Kenneth W. Hagin
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